Church in the Name of Jesus, Bonn

Constructed between 1686 and 1717, the Church in the Name of Jesus was originally built by the Jesuit order under the patronage of Elector–Archbishop Maximilian Heinrich of Bavaria-whose inspiration came from finding a piece of beech wood bearing the Christogram “IHS.” The resulting architecture masterfully blends Gothic pointed arches and Romanesque towers with ornate Baroque flourishes-a characteristic example of Jesuit Gothic.

Despite a turbulent past-having been stripped and repurposed as a stable and barracks during the French occupation in the late 18th century, and suffering extensive damage during World War II-the church has been lovingly restored. The post-war rebuilding efforts, completed by the mid-1950s, revived the structure's stately twin towers and its interior. In 2012, the church entered a new chapter when it was entrusted to the Old Catholic Church as its cathedral and city church, maintained by the Foundation of the Church in the Name of Jesus.

Visitors to the church today are greeted by a beautifully illuminated nave, marked by pastel-blue and gold-accented columns and stucco arches. Among the highlights are the original 18th-century baroque high altar, side altars from Melchior Jouanny’s workshop, and a striking pulpit crowned by an angelic figure of Saint Michael. The church also houses a unique underground columbarium and crypt containing urn burials, including those of Jesuits from before 1774 and modern congregants of the Old Catholic community.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Church in the Name of Jesus functions as a cultural venue. It welcomes worshippers of various denominations and often hosts concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions in its expansive nave.